News You Can Use

As we prepare for the 2024-25 school year, this page will serve as your go-to resource for all important updates and information related to campus assignments, schedules, campus tours, orientation, back-to-school nights and more. Please bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates because we are continuously updating this page with the latest information, resources, upcoming events and important announcements to ensure a smooth start to the school year. 

We look forward to welcoming our students and families back to school soon!

For additional information or questions, please contact your student’s primary campus or email ask@acps.k12.va.us.

ACHS: First Week Helpful Tips

We are excited about the coming school year. In addition to all of the insightful reminders and information that Mr. Duncan shared earlier this evening, I am sharing additional details about transportation and information regarding schedule conflicts.

Learn more

Aug. 13, 2024 Update

Counseling News - Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year!

We are very excited about this school year as we embark on a new journey and our students explore the academic opportunities offered by the Academies at Alexandria City. The Alexandria City High School (ACHS) School Counseling team strives to connect to students by recognizing their individualism and uniqueness and we are proud to accompany each student on their journey of discovery.

Learn more

July 18, 2024 Update

Dear Alexandria City High School Families,

We are excited for the upcoming 2024-25 school year at Alexandria City High School (ACHS) and have several important updates and events to share as we prepare for a strong start to the school year.

Staggered In-Person Start of School for ACHS Students

There will be a staggered in-person start for the 2024-25 school year at Alexandria City High School (ACHS). This staggered opening is designed to ensure a smooth transition for returning and new students as ACHS begins the new academic year. With the opening of the new Minnie Howard campus and the numerous logistical changes that will impact both the Minnie Howard and King Street campuses, the staggered start will help in acclimating students to school and managing transitions effectively. By staggering the in-person start dates for students, ACHS aims to ensure an organized and supportive start to the school year​ for all our students.

The following are the staggered in-person start dates for ACHS students:

• Freshmen and Sophomores (grades nine and 10) will begin school on August 19, 2024.

  • Asynchronous learning for juniors and seniors.

• Juniors and seniors (grades 11 and 12) will start on August 20, 2024.

  • Asynchronous learning for freshmen and sophomores.

• The rotation for the first week of school will be as follows:

  • Red Day, Aug 19, 2024

  • Red Day, Aug 20, 2024

  • Blue Day, Aug 21, 2024

  • Red Day, Aug 22, 2024

  • Blue Day, Aug 23, 2024.

ACHS Students Asynchronous Learning Days

Asynchronous learning days are compulsory attendance days for all students. During the asynchronous learning day, students will complete instructional activities that help them become familiar with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and ACHS. Students will engage in community building, reflection and additional virtual learning opportunities that will allow them to explore ACPS resources, such as Canvas, and share their interests with their teachers. 

Attendance is required for students on asynchronous learning days. Students should log in through Canvas to ensure that proper attendance is taken. Students will engage in asynchronous activities from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Additional details will be shared in August regarding the specific instructional activities and how to access them. 

ACHS Student Schedule Update

In the spring, we shared information with staff and families about potential changes to the ACHS bell schedule. More specifically, during the 2024-25 school year, the high school planned to begin each Monday of the week as a day for students to check-in with all of their teachers. After careful review and consideration, the high school will move forward with an alternating “red” and “blue” day schedule, which is the same schedule that was used during the 2023-24 school year. 

As a result, this means there will not be an implementation of the "purple" day; instead, the schedule will continue to alternate between "red" and "blue" days.

ACHS Orientation & Open House Events

We invite ACHS students and their parents/guardians to attend our orientation sessions to learn more about the high school. These events will provide valuable information and an opportunity to explore the campuses:

• King Street Campus: Wednesday, August 14 (6-8 p.m.)

• Chance for Change Campus: Wednesday, August 14 (6-8 p.m.)

• Minnie Howard Campus: Thursday, August 15 (6-8 p.m.)

• Satellite Campus: Thursday, August 15 (6-8 p.m.)

Timeline for Course Adjustments 

The following is a reminder of the timeline shared earlier this year to address specific schedule changes as noted below:

• August 21-24: School counselors will support students in the following categories: 

  • Those who were not scheduled for a core class they selected during academic advising; 

  • Those who were scheduled for a class they previously passed; and 

  • Those who were placed in the wrong level (i.e. general, honors or advanced placement) of a course based on initial course requests.

• August 28-29: Students may meet with counselors to determine if an elective change can be accommodated if the student was not scheduled for a class they selected in the spring between February 9 and May 24. Elective changes will not be made after these dates.

Student Device Distribution

• Newly Registered Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Graders: Chromebooks can be picked up at the Student Helpdesk at the student’s primary campus on August 15 or 16 between 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please note that Chromebooks will not be ready for pickup until 48 hours after completing student registration.

• Returning Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Graders with Broken Devices: Bring the broken device on your first in-person day of school. The broken device will be swapped for a working device.  

• All Ninth Grade Students: New ninth grade students will receive a device on the first day of school. All returning ninth grade students will  swap their existing middle school device for a new one on the first day of school. Returning students must bring their existing Chromebook and charger to receive a new device and charger.

We are looking forward to a successful and exciting school year. Please stay tuned for more updates and detailed information on the News You Can Use section of the Academies at Alexandria City website.

The next communication will be sent to families in early August with student transportation information. 

For additional information or questions, please contact us at ask@acps.k12.va.us.

Sincerely,

Alexander Duncan, III, Executive Principal
Alexandria City High School
King Street Campus
Minnie Howard Campus 
Satellite Campus 
Chance for Change Campus